ARC asks for help in South Sudan Crisis

Minneapolis (Jan. 20, 2014) — Since the violence began in South Sudan one month ago, more than 400,000 men, women, and children have fled their homes, with little more than the clothes on their backs — and tens of thousands have fled to neighboring countries.

The Minnesota-based American Refugee Committee (ARC) is planning to help in Uganda, where roughly 30,000 South Sudanese have already fled and 2,500 more arrive each day.

“Refugees from South Sudan have fled unimaginable crisis,” said Daniel Wordsworth, ARC President. “The situation is getting worse. Families need food, essential relief items, medical attention, shelter and protection. We have been working in the region for twenty years, and we are ready to respond.”

Though much of the country is closed off because of the violence, ARC South Sudan staff are working hard to deliver what services they can. Assessments are currently underway to evaluate the situation and respond.

The ARC team in Uganda is preparing to assist refugees fleeing South Sudan—by building shelter, and by distributing food and essential relief items to at-risk families. The ARC team is also placing children who are unaccompanied or separated from their families with a foster family. ARC is also helping women who are at risk.

For almost twenty years, ARC has worked with South Sudanese transitioning through violence and facing danger and extreme poverty.

The people of South Sudan are in need of support, and the American Refugee Committee is taking donations to support its relief efforts at: American Refugee Committee; 615 First Avenue NE, Suite 500; Minneapolis, MN 55413; tel 612-872-7060 or at, www.ARCrelief.org.